Gray comes from behind for Late Model win

July 05, 2001|By Mike Mathu

Joe Diesler concluded the night with a strong initial run from the pole in the 25-lap Limited Late Model feature.

After a caution on lap 4, Gaylord driver Brad Sides and Randy Day dueled behind the leader until the two tangled on lap 10. Day went skidding to the infield and both were placed at the back of the pack for the restart. Jimmy Gray seized the opportunity and passed Chuck Skop for second on lap 11, then used the high line to maneuver by Diesler and into the lead two laps later. Diesler dropped out on lap 16 and Skop never threatened as Gray cruised to his second-consecutive feature win.

Randy Saddison held off the field for all 20 laps of the Modified main. Jason Harding went to the winner's circle for the first time in the classic and heat, then challenged Saddison in the feature by going door to door on the outside before spinning on lap 16. Bud Gray overtook Jim DuBois Jr. for second with a lap-and-a-half to go, but his bid for a fourth-straight win in the nightcap came up short.

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The competitive Street Stock division was true to form, coming up with its fifth different feature winner in as many weeks. Mike Green and last week's winner Keith McBee collided at the conclusion of lap 1 for the lone caution of the 20-lap race. McBee was unable to return for the restart but Green remained third. Darting into second on lap 2, Green passed David Dubie for the lead four laps later. Andy Noweske held off Carl Schlagel in a fierce battle right behind the leader before he gave way with three laps to go. Schlagel made a charge at the finish line but Green prevailed by less than a car length.

Scott Payton went to the front by passing Roger Flickinger on lap 13 of the 20-lap Mini-Mod event. Payton then had to fend off his brother Steve down the stretch. Steve Payton maneuvered into second with five laps to go, but came up just short at the finish after notching his first win at the track in the heat.

Shane McCleave took the lead on lap 2 of the 15-lap Bomber feature, then endured four caution periods and finished just ahead of Brian Wilson for the victory.

The Four-Cylinder class saw Tom Jepsen claim qualifying honors for the fifth week in a row and end a dry spell in racing competition by winning the 15-lap finale. It was his first win since June 9. John Flickinger finished second.

Upper Lakes Tire of Gaylord sponsors this Saturday's program, with midseason champions to be crowned in three of the six racing divisions. Time trials begin at 5 p.m. with racing at 7.

Tricycle races for kids 6 and under are also slated with trophies, prizes, and treats. Bring a trike! N.M.S. is located 8 miles west of Gaylord on M-32, then 4.5 miles north on Camp Ten Road at Huffman Lake Road.